Jon was developing a computer program for use by owners of track clubs to aid them in keeping records of the members,their runs,times,injuries,etc.Eager to finish the program,Jon,in Edmonton,called his friend Sam,in Calgary,and offered him $2000 to help: five hours per working day,five days per week,for five weeks.Sam said that he would have to think about it.Jon told Sam that he was eager to get going,but that he would hold the offer open until Friday,February 6,at noon.Which of the following is true? (Read each separately.)
A)If Jon revokes his offer before Friday at noon,Sam could sue him for breach of contract because Jon had promised to hold the offer open.
B)If the court held that acceptance by mail was reasonable in the circumstances and if Sam accepts by mail,the place of contract is Edmonton.
C)If Jon goes ahead and hires Betsy from Edmonton at noon on February 3,it would be too late for Sam to accept.
D)If Sam wants to ensure that the offer will remain open until noon on February 6,he should give Jon some consideration (that is,purchase an option agreement).
E)If Sam accepts by phone within the time specified in the offer,the place of contract would be Calgary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is D. This is because Jon has given Sam a deadline of Friday, February 6, at noon to accept the offer. Until that time, Jon is not obligated in any way to hold the offer open. However, if Sam wants to ensure that the offer remains open until that time, he could purchase an option agreement, which is a form of consideration. This would bind Jon to the offer until the deadline. Without consideration, there is no binding contract. Therefore, Sam giving Jon an option agreement would ensure that the offer is held open until Friday at noon.

Jon Was Developing a Computer Program for Use by Owners